Women in Business 2013: Tonda Parks, Dover

Vice President Advertising Development, Delaware State News

Having worked at the downstate daily in the early 1980s as a classified advertising salesperson, then as director of sales for national accounts until 2004, Parks was lured back four years ago to lead the local sales effort. She coaches the sales managers and serves as the paper’s liaison to the community. A hub of Kent’s social and volunteer scene, Parks has been honored with several local and state awards for her community service. Next up: complete the 62-mile leg of the Amish Country Bike Tour in 2014, when she turns 62. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of friends and business professionals that happen to be women,” Parks says. “I like to think that I am encouraging the young women that I come in contact with to support one another.”